By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
  • Home
  • News
    • International News & Politics
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Money & Finance
    • Mobile and Telecommunication
    News
    Get breaking news, music updates, and celebrity stories from Uganda and East Africa. Stay informed with Lifestyle Uganda—your insider source for real-time industry updates.
    Show More
    Top News
    Lycamobile Uganda data bundles and voice (1)
    Lycamobile Uganda: 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
    4th April 2025
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    5th October 2023
    Maro, Maurice Kirya Help German singer Mark Forster Cross Over With “Chip In”
    17th November 2018
    Latest News
    Millions to renew expired national IDs as Uganda begins mass exercise
    6th May 2025
    Ugandan Scientist Dr Matthias Magoola Honoured with African Excellence Award
    5th May 2025
    Francis Nyende appointed Marketing Manager at Uganda Tourism Board
    5th May 2025
    Cheptoyek and Kibet shine for Uganda with standout victories in Tokyo
    4th May 2025
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Celebrity
    • Biography
    • Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • Pop Culture
      • Travel/Culture
    Entertainment
    Stay up-to-date with Lifestyle Uganda Entertainment—the latest news, celebrity gossip, films, and TV shows from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
    Show More
    Top News
    Lycamobile Uganda data bundles and voice (1)
    Lycamobile Uganda: 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
    4th April 2025
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    5th October 2023
    Maro, Maurice Kirya Help German singer Mark Forster Cross Over With “Chip In”
    17th November 2018
    Latest News
    Media Personality Alfa Timez Joins Next Media After Three Years at Galaxy FM
    8th May 2025
    Robin Kisti video sparks questions after apparent arrest in Kampala
    8th May 2025
    Shazam Launches Viral Charts to Track the World’s Fastest-Rising Songs
    7th May 2025
    Dax Vibez expecting third child as concert preparations gather pace
    6th May 2025
  • Fashion
    • Beauty Trends
    • Accessories
    • Hair
    • Lipstick
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
    FashionShow More
    African designers to feature at top fashion weeks in Paris and Tokyo.
    African Designers to Take Global Stage with Afreximbank-Backed Fashion Showcases in Paris and Tokyo
    7th May 2025
    Dax Vibez lands fashion deal ahead of debut concert
    Joystar Fashion Partners with Dax Vibez in Boost for Kampala Star’s First Headline Show
    23rd April 2025
    Monochrome, but Never Mundane: How Judith Heard Makes Minimalism Feel Majestic
    19th April 2025
    Sheilah Gashumba’s Bold Twist on Schoolgirl Style Is a Lesson in Confidence
    17th April 2025
    Judith Heard Celebrates Birthday After Honoring Twin Daughters’ Milestone
    14th March 2025
  • Health & Living
  • Tips & Advice
Search
© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: MTN Uganda Is Being Sued for Kwata Essimu Copyright Infringement
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Living
Search
  • Home
  • News
    • International News & Politics
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Money & Finance
    • Mobile and Telecommunication
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Celebrity
    • Biography
    • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
    • Beauty Trends
    • Accessories
    • Hair
    • Lipstick
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
  • Health & Living
  • Tips & Advice
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. A Now & Entertainment Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
Lifestyle Uganda > Blog > Entertainment > MTN Uganda Is Being Sued for Kwata Essimu Copyright Infringement
EntertainmentNews

MTN Uganda Is Being Sued for Kwata Essimu Copyright Infringement

Ssendaza Ismail
Last updated: 4th April 2025 5:10 pm
By
Ssendaza Ismail
BySsendaza Ismail
Writer
Ismail Ssendaza is a passionate blogger at Lifestyle Uganda, where he shares the latest news and gossip about both local and international celebrities. With a keen...
Follow:
- Writer
Share
5 Min Read
lifestyleug.com__mtn uganda Sued for Kwata Essimu Song (1)
The song was first released by Freeboy in 2019, followed by a collaboration with Swangz Avenue singer Nwagi last year. PHOTO via @YouTube
SHARE

Viva Entertainment Limited (VEL), a Ugandan record label and publishing house, is suing telecommunications company MTN Uganda for illegally using Kwata Essimu caller tune by Free Boy and Winnie Nwagi.

lifestyleug.com__mtn uganda Sued for Kwata Essimu Song (1)
The song was first released by Freeboy in 2019, followed by a collaboration with Swangz Avenue singer Nwagi last year. PHOTO via @YouTube

Viva Entertainment Limited (VEL), a Ugandan record label and publishing house, is suing telecommunications company MTN Uganda for illegally using Kwata Essimu caller tune by Mubarak Adams Mandela, alias Free Boy and Winnie Nwagi.

The song was first released by Freeboy in 2019, followed by a collaboration with Swangz Avenue singer Nwagi last year.

According to The Observer reported, on behalf of its musician, the prosecution was allegedly filed at the civil division of the Supreme Court in Kampala by VEL, represented by Katende, Ssempebwa & co Advocates.

VEL argued that it had invested enormous sums and resources into this success. Defendant wants to disclose data, revenue statements and statements of Kwata Essimu exploitation from 2019 onwards.

- Advertisement -

The label has demanded compensation of 175 million UGX (approximately $48,000) and the telecommunications should stop using the song without their permission. MTN offers customers 700 UGX caller tunes per month.

“Viva Entertainment wrote, financed and invested heavily in producing and releasing a piece of music called Kwata Essimu, which was a big hit and very popular with the public,” the document said.

The popularity of the song is immense and it has sparked dance challenges both domestically and abroad, which is a testament to the popularity of the song from the so-called Kwata Essimu Challenge.

“Despite the popularity of the song, the plaintiff was not able to fully cover the cost of producing the music due to the limitations of the commercial involvement in the work caused by the defendant ‘s illegal exploitation of the song without the plaintiff’s approval.”

Civil Division Registrar Jameson Karemani has ordered the defendant to file his case within 15 days of the trial date.

- Advertisement -

This is MTN’s second case of copyright infringement. In 2012, the late Mayor of Kampala, Nasser Ssebagala, accused the company of using his speech and addresses for ringtones and caller music without his permission.

However, the petition against MTN was dismissed two years later.

About MTN Uganda

MTN Uganda is a subsidiary of the MTN Group, a multinational telecommunications group that connects approximately 232 million people in 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East. In 2009, MTN Uganda launched its mobile phone-based banking product called Mobile Money. As of March 2015, MTN controlled 80 per cent of the mobile money market in the country.

- Advertisement -

In November 2015, MTN Uganda discontinued 3.7 million of its 11.5 million customers in line with the Uganda Telecommunications Authority’s new SIM card registration requirements.

In May 2016, MTN borrowed US$ 114 million (around UGX: 385.8 billion) to expand its network in Uganda and to build a new headquarters building on Jinja Road in Kampala. 

The consortium of four Ugandan banks, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Standard Chartered Uganda, Citibank Uganda, and Barclays Bank of Uganda (now Absa Bank Uganda Limited), was in the form of a syndicated loan.

In August 2016, MTN launched a new product with the Commercial Bank of Africa (Uganda) that allows customers to save money and access Microlon products using their cell phone. The product called Mokash is available in personal accounts and accounts for small and medium enterprises.

In August 2018, MTN launched the Joint Tidal-MTN Music Streaming Service. Tidal Platform, co-owner of American business mogul Jay-Z offers streaming audio and video for Shs1000 ($0.26) per day. Subscribers receive music, videos and exclusive content.

The music of most of Uganda’s leading artists is available. At the time, the service was only available in Uganda and South Africa on the African continent

Eddy Kenzo Music Festival Tickets, Dates and Venue 2020
Spice Diana Calls Out UNMF for Shifting Focus, Says She’s Seen No Benefit
Lynn Forbes named brand ambassador for The ALD Studio
Daxx Kartel and Momo 19 Delight Fans with Twins’ Birth
Rema Namakula Set to Mesmerize Fans with “Melodies Of Love” Concert at Sheraton Kampala Hotel in 2024

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Copy Link
Share
BySsendaza Ismail
Writer
Follow:
Ismail Ssendaza is a passionate blogger at Lifestyle Uganda, where he shares the latest news and gossip about both local and international celebrities. With a keen eye for trends and a love for storytelling, Ismail aims to keep readers informed and entertained. Prior to his blogging career, he served as a System Administrator at Pearl VoIP & 3G Telecommunications UK for six months, working as a remote Network Operations Center engineer (NOC). Ismail welcomes conversations and collaborations—feel free to reach out via WhatsApp at +256753659743
Previous Article lifestyleug.com__10 Facts You Need to Know Malaika Nnyanzi (1) Malaika Nnyanzi: 10 Facts About Veronica’s Wish, Mela and Bed of Thorns Actress
Next Article lifestyleug.com__Jonathan Mckinstry Suspended (1) Jonathan Mckinstry Suspended as Coach of the Uganda Cranes

Stay Connected

45.2kFollowersLike
5.1kFollowersFollow
213FollowersPin
35.6kFollowersFollow
11kSubscribersSubscribe
400FollowersFollow
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Microsoft Africa Chief Urges Continent to Seize ‘AI Moment’.
Microsoft’s Catherine Muraga Calls on Africa to Lead, Not Follow, in AI Revolution
Technology & Science
8th May 2025
Wendi mobile wallet hits one million users.
Wendi Mobile Wallet Surpasses One Million Users as PostBank Pushes for Greater Financial Inclusion
Business
8th May 2025
David Wandera appointed as new Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda.
David Wandera appointed as Absa Bank Uganda’s first Ugandan Managing Director
Business
8th May 2025
Alfa Timez signs with Next Media.
Media Personality Alfa Timez Joins Next Media After Three Years at Galaxy FM
Entertainment
8th May 2025
//

At Lifestyle Uganda, we inform, entertain, and inspire action through the content we create — empowering you to live a celebrity life.

Quick Link

  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Living

Top Categories

  • About Us
  • Send a Tip
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
Follow US
© 2025 Lifestyle Uganda. A Now & Entertainment Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up